Could use advice on renting to students by the room.

[Brian H.]

Hey everyone,

I have been working on purchasing some rental properties and someone mentioned to me on another thread that renting by the room to students could be a profitable move?  I live in a town with a large state university.  I am aware of the wear and tear aspect.  

Does renting by the room tend to be more profitable in this sort of student rental market?  

How has it worked for any of you?

How do you figure out what to charge them in terms of a lump sum for utilities?  

What utilities do you include and not include?

Is it just one rent payment to cover all of this?

I would love ANY advice any of you can give on this topic.

Thank you!!